November 5 evening U.S. election update: Democrats won the House and Senate; President Donald Trump faces new congressional oversight beginning in January 2027. The final seat count is not yet certified.
Democrats win control of both congressional chambers
Democrats have won majorities in both the United States House of Representatives and Senate after the November 3, 2026 midterm elections, according to projections reported by the Associated Press, Reuters and other major news organizations. The result ends Republicans' control of Congress midway through President Donald Trump's second term. A November 5 evening results snapshot published by The Guardian showed 253 House seats called for Democrats and 157 for Republicans, with approximately 25 seats still outstanding. Democratic Senate candidates held 54 called seats to 44 for Republicans, with Alaska and Mississippi unresolved. Those are dated news-service projections rather than final state-certified totals.
House gains extend across Republican-held districts
Democrats won dozens of Republican-held districts in different parts of the country, including surprising outcomes in Indiana, Wisconsin, Nevada, North Carolina and New Jersey. In New Jersey's 2nd District, Democrat Zack Mullock defeated Republican incumbent Jeff Van Drew, according to a November 5 Associated Press call. In Nevada's 2nd, Teresa Benitez-Thompson won a seat that had long been represented by Republicans. Different states and districts have different margins; remaining calls and certified results will determine the exact size of the next House majority. The new Congress is scheduled to convene in January 2027.
Trump and Republicans offer different responses
President Trump argued he was not personally on the ballot and that enthusiasm at his rallies did not automatically transfer to Republican candidates. He also acknowledged that the war with Iran and high fuel costs hurt the party, while defending his administration's military decision. Vice President JD Vance emphasized the war's impact on voters, and some Republican officials publicly urged policy or personnel changes. These are attributed statements and competing assessments, not an independent claim that any single factor caused every result. Republicans also won some important state contests despite losing the congressional majorities.
A different political balance starts in January
Democratic control of the House will give the party influence over committee leadership, hearings and legislative scheduling. Democratic senators will hold new powers over federal nominations and Senate committees. Leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer have discussed household costs, health care and investigations into the administration. But the president retains his constitutional veto and other executive authorities, and Democrats themselves hold a range of moderate and progressive positions. Any major law still requires legislative negotiations and, generally, presidential approval or a constitutional veto override.
The consequences for Canada and the next election updates
Congressional control can affect debates about tariffs, security cooperation, spending and the Canada–U.S. trade relationship, but Tuesday's results do not automatically cancel duties or replace existing agreements. Ottawa released Budget 2026 on November 5 amid uncertainty about the American relationship. Meanwhile, votes still being counted in Alaska and Mississippi could change the Senate's final margin without overturning Democratic control. CDN News will distinguish race calls from provisional returns and official certification. This article is an evening November 5 snapshot, not a live election-results counter. Its photograph is archival and does not depict the November 2026 campaign or election night.
Sources & transparency
Guardian, November 5 live congressional seat counts and outstanding racesAssociated Press, Democrats win House and Senate in 2026 midtermsReuters, top takeaways from the U.S. midtermsABC News, Trump and JD Vance comments on war and electionOriginal CDN News coverage. Sources are linked for reference.
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